Policy Objectives
The objectives of this policy are to:
- Minimise reliance on potable (municipal) water supplies
- Reduce the Garden’s overall water footprint
- Capture, slow, store, and reuse water on site
- Protect natural hydrological and ecological systems
- Build long-term resilience to drought, climate variability, and water restrictions
- Align with ARC’s water conservation, stormwater, and sustainability frameworks
- Provide a visible, educational model of best practice for visitors and stakeholders
Guiding Principles
Water management at ABG will be guided by the following principles:
- Water as a Scarce Resource – All water is valued and managed conservatively.
- Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) – Rainwater, stormwater, groundwater, greywater,
and irrigation are managed as a single system.
- Slow, Store, Soak – Priority is given to slowing runoff, encouraging vertical infiltration, and storing
water for reuse.
- Fit-for-Purpose Water Use – Higher-quality water is reserved for essential uses only.
- Ecosystem Protection – Natural systems are protected to maintain hydrological function and
biodiversity.
- Climate Adaptation – Infrastructure and plantings are designed for hotter, drier, and more
variable future conditions.
- Education by Demonstration – Systems are visible, interpretable, and supported by education
programs.
- Water Zoning Strategy
To reduce irrigation demand, the Garden will be deliberately zoned
- 25% No-Irrigation Zone – Rainfall-dependent, drought-adapted landscapes
- 25% Higher-Need Zone – Targeted irrigation where essential (e.g. establishment, high-use areas)
This zoning reflects best practice in arid and semi-arid landscape design and aligns with ARC water
efficiency objectives.
- 50% Minimal-Irrigation Zone – Occasional supplementary watering only
Rainwater Harvesting and Storage
Rainwater Capture
ABG will prioritise the capture of rainfall from:
- Urban catchments and elevated landscapes upstream of the site
- Existing and future roofs (entertaining areas, children’s play areas, Environment Centre, café)
Underground Water Storage
- Installation of prefabricated underground tanks (up to 10,000 litres each)
- Located along the southern boundary to intercept runoff from higher elevations
- Designed to reduce surface runoff and downstream water loss
Above-Ground Water Storage
- Tanks connected to roof drainage systems
- Used for irrigation, cleaning, and non-potable uses
Greywater and Wastewater Reuse
ABG will implement advanced on-site water reuse systems:
- Collection of wastewater from existing toilets, caravan dump point, and future café and
Environment Centre
- Treatment using high-standard filtration, including UV disinfection to swimming-pool-grade
standards
- Reuse of treated water for irrigation and non-potable purposes, subject to regulatory approval
This approach significantly reduces potable water demand and aligns with ARC sustainability principles.
Existing Natural Spring
- The existing spring that feeds the aquatic area will be retained and protected
- Where appropriate and environmentally permissible, this source will assist irrigation of the lower
third of the Garden
- Use will be carefully managed to avoid ecological harm or downstream impacts
Soil Preparation and Moisture Retention
Soil Conditioning
- Incorporation of high levels of organic matter to improve water-holding capacity
- Early soil preparation to establish optimal conditions from inception
Mulching
- Use of coarse tree mulch to conserve soil moisture while allowing rainfall penetration
- Mulch depths of 50–100 mm, depending on garden type
Efficient Irrigation Systems
Where irrigation is required, ABG will use:
- Drip irrigation to deliver water directly to root zones
- Subsurface pipes around trees for deep root watering
- Slow-release tree watering systems (e.g. inflatable guards releasing ~20 litres)
These systems minimise evaporation and water loss.
Landscape Design and Stormwater Management
Retaining Walls and Terracing
- Use of terracing and retaining walls to slow water movement
- Installation of subsurface drainage channels using agricultural pipes and blue metal
- Directing water to priority planting zones
Natural Contours
Utilisation of existing landforms to guide water flow to beneficial locations
Planting Design
- Dense plantings of grasses, perennials, shrubs, and trees to reduce runoff
- Mixed root structures to enhance infiltration
- Shading to lower soil temperatures and reduce evaporation
- Edge plantings to retain mulch and water within garden beds
- Soil ridging along northern boundaries to minimise water loss from the site
Plant Selection
- Priority use of drought-resilient species suitable for future climate conditions
- Inclusion of species from regions with hot, dry summers (e.g. Mediterranean climates)
- Selection based on long-term resilience, not historical climate alone
Sustainable Turf Management
Lawns will be:
Limited and purposeful (meeting spaces, activity areas, bushfire protection)
- Designed to temporarily retain water during rainfall events
- Managed with longer grass heights to shade soil and suppress weeds
- Aerated annually to improve infiltration
Infrastructure Mapping and Leak Management
- Collaboration with ARC to identify and repair leaks within existing irrigation systems
- Acknowledgement that over 20 visible taps exist with limited mapping
- Development of a Site Management Plan, including a comprehensive Hydrology Study
Modern Innovations and Smart Water Systems
ABG will explore smart water technologies, including:
- Sensors and automated monitoring of flow, pressure, and water quality
- Data-driven irrigation scheduling
- Rapid leak detection and system optimisation
- Education and Demonstration
All water systems will be:
- Interpretable through signage and education programs
- Integrated into school, university, and community learning
- Used to demonstrate both successes and challenges of sustainable water management
Governance and Review
This policy will:
Be implemented in alignment with ARC policies and regulatory requirements
Be reviewed every three years or following major water-policy changes
Inform all design, construction, and operational decisions at ABG
Conclusion
Water sustainability is fundamental to the success of the Armidale Botanic Garden. Through integrated design, careful stewardship, and alignment with regional water strategies, ABG will serve as a living example of how communities can adapt to water scarcity while protecting ecosystems and supporting education.
